Marijuana Grower Gets Five Years ImprisonmentDefendant Forfeits Cars, Motorcycles and Over $800,000

MAY 1 -- OAKLAND – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña and United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that on Friday, April 27, 2007, James P. Chiaverini, 37, of San Leandro, California was sentenced to five years imprisonment and four years of supervised release for growing marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841. On June 2, 2006, Chiaverini pleaded guilty to growing over 700 marijuana plants in Livermore, California on October 30, 2005. The plea agreement with the United States also included provisions related to assets that Chiaverini forfeited to the United States as part of the investigation, including several cars, motorcycles, and over $800,000. As part of arriving at the sentence, United States District Judge Martin J. Jenkins specifically found that Chiaverini was a manager or supervisor of the marijuana growing operation.

“Last time I checked, they don't let you grow marijuana plants in prison either, so Mr. Chiaverini will have five solid years to learn another trait,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña. “Regardless, the citizens of Livermore can rest easier tonight knowing that this operation won't be returning to their neighborhood.”

Shashi Kewalramani is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Legal Assistant Cynthia Daniel. The prosecution is a result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Oakland Resident Office and Livermore Police Department.